The Mars Desert Research Station in southern Utah is the world’s largest Mars simulation facility. Scientists and researchers come here to prepare for future human missions to Mars.
They built the station near Hanksville, right in Utah’s rugged desert landscape. For over twenty years, crews have used this spot as a testbed for Mars exploration tech and human factors research.
You’ll find the Mars Desert Research Station perched on the San Rafael Swell, about seven miles northwest of Hanksville. The team picked this remote desert for its Mars-like terrain and geology—the rocks and soil really do look like something straight off the red planet.
Red rock formations, rolling barren hills, and barely any vegetation surround the site. These features make it a perfect stand-in for Mars, especially when it comes to testing equipment and procedures.
Utah’s high desert climate throws tough weather at researchers, kind of like what astronauts might get on Mars. The station mainly runs in winter, when the temps are less brutal and outdoor work is actually possible.
Being so far from big cities helps the station mimic the psychological aspects of Mars missions. Crew members get a real taste of the isolation future Mars astronauts will face.
The Mars Society kicked off the Mars Desert Research Station project in the early 2000s. It became their second analog station, after building one up in the Arctic.
They started with a simple two-story habitat module, just 26 feet across. The original setup had basic living quarters, a lab, and simulated airlocks for the crew.
Elon Musk donated $100,000 to help expand the station, which led to the Musk Observatory. Over the years, they added more modules—a greenhouse, a science building, and an engineering pod.
Since opening, the station has welcomed 175 crews over sixteen years. Each crew, usually six volunteers from all sorts of science backgrounds, stays for about two weeks.
At MDRS, crews work to figure out what it’ll really take to send people to Mars. They wear simulated spacesuits for all outdoor work and stick to strict protocols that match real Mars mission requirements.
Research here focuses on three big things: field tactics development, habitat design testing, and crew selection protocols. Scientists want to see how tough environments change daily routines and teamwork during long missions.
Biologists study extremophiles—tiny life forms that live in Utah’s harsh desert. These organisms give clues about how life might survive on Mars and help shape future life-detection missions.
The station also acts as a NASA-funded training center for teachers and students. They live onsite for weeks, doing field research and learning Mars exploration techniques hands-on.
Researchers dig into how isolation, tight quarters, and Mars-like conditions affect crew psychology and performance. What they learn feeds right back into spacecraft design and real mission planning.
The Mars Society runs MDRS, handling daily operations and coordinating Mars analog research around the world. This nonprofit leads the charge for advancing human Mars exploration.
The Mars Society set up the Mars Desert Research Station near Hanksville in 2001. They built it as part of their push to get humans ready for Mars colonization.
Leadership Structure:
The Mars Society runs MDRS as a private scientific outpost. They recruit crew members from universities and research groups all over the world.
Six-person teams live in the 30-foot-wide cylindrical habitat for two-week stints. Field seasons run from late October to early June, with multiple crews cycling through for research and training.
The Mars Society manages MDRS and another simulated Mars habitat. MDRS stands as the biggest and longest-running Mars surface research site anywhere.
Researchers have published 123 peer-reviewed papers from work done at MDRS, making it the second most productive analog facility. The station hosts a wider range of research than any other Mars analog.
The organization backs international missions, including all-woman teams and multi-nation collaborations. Recent crews have included folks from France, the UK, Poland, and Australia.
Key Programs:
In March 2025, the Mars Society launched a $250,000 fundraising campaign to boost MDRS. They want to make the station even better for training Mars explorers and running STEM education programs.
MDRS has a handful of connected buildings that together create a realistic Mars living environment. The main habitat is where the crew lives and works, while other facilities handle science and equipment needs.
The habitat, or “hab,” is the heart of MDRS. This two-story cylinder, 26 feet across, packs in everything the crew needs.
Downstairs, you’ll find two simulated airlocks—crew members use these before heading outside. There’s a combined biology and geology lab with microscopes, analytical gear, and chemical storage.
A bathroom with a shower, a spacesuit prep area, and engineering storage also fit on the lower level. It’s a bit tight, honestly, but it works.
Upstairs, seven small quarters offer private sleeping spaces with bunks and desks. The common area is where everyone eats, relaxes, and checks in with mission support.
The kitchen comes with a gas stove, fridge, microwave, and oven. Up in the loft, there’s a freshwater tank and more storage. A hatch at the dome’s top lets you access antennas and weather gear.
Power Systems: Twelve 24-volt batteries under the hab store up to twelve hours of electricity. Two 5-kilowatt generators back things up, charging the batteries or powering the main panel.
The Science Dome replaced the old geodesic dome when stronger construction was needed. This building gives the crew more room for research than the main lab can handle.
Teams use the Science Dome for experiments needing extra space or special equipment. The dome supports geology, biology, and engineering projects that mimic Mars exploration.
The design lets scientists control the environment for sensitive experiments. They can run longer studies here without getting in the way of daily habitat life.
Research Focus: The dome is especially handy for studying extremophiles—organisms that thrive in harsh places like Mars. Teams also test equipment and analyze data from fieldwork here.
The Repair and Assembly Module (RAM) started life as a Chinook helicopter fuel compartment. MDRS got it in October 2017, and crews made it fully operational by November 2018.
The RAM is the station’s engineering workshop. Crews fix scientific instruments, keep all-terrain vehicles running, and tackle engineering challenges that keep missions on track.
Tool Storage: The module has organized storage for tools and spare parts. Work benches give enough space to take apart and repair complex gear.
The RAM helps crews stay self-sufficient—something astronauts on Mars will definitely need. Engineering teams use it to practice troubleshooting and repairs they’d have to do millions of miles from home.
Operational Integration: Tunnels connect the RAM to other buildings, so crews can move gear around without breaking simulation. This setup is a lifesaver during nasty weather when going outside isn’t really an option.
The Musk Observatory is a dedicated astronomy facility with professional-grade gear for space observation and crew training. Named for Elon Musk, whose foundation funded it, the observatory supports both research and education.
Crews use the Musk Observatory to make detailed astronomical observations during their simulated Mars missions. They study celestial objects and practice techniques they’d use on Mars.
The observatory can be operated remotely, so amateur and professional astronomers can log in from afar. This opens up the facility to more people than just the on-site crew.
Educational programs bring students and teachers into the action. They get to work with the crews and dive into real research projects.
The astronomy team develops research proposals that the facility supports. These studies focus on tools and methods future Mars settlers will need for astronomy.
Inside the Musk Observatory, you’ll find a 14-inch Celestron CGE1400 Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope donated by Celestron. This powerful scope delivers the sharp images and sensitivity needed for serious research.
A bunch of sponsors pitched in to complete the observatory:
Le Sueur Manufacturing Inc. built the Astro-Pier mount for the telescope. Software Bisque provided The Sky software for controlling and navigating the scope.
Vince Lanzetta of East Coast Observatories supplied a Sirius Dome at a discount. The dome shields the telescope while giving it a full view of the sky.
Adirondack Video Astronomy donated STV Deluxe and ST2000XM CCD cameras at reduced prices. These cameras snap detailed shots of distant objects.
The Lehigh Valley Amateur Astronomical Association shared their expertise to get the observatory up and running. Thanks to their help, everything got installed and calibrated the right way.
The Mars Desert Research Station runs simulated Mars missions all field season long. Crews stick to strict protocols that match real planetary exploration, and participants come from all over the world.
MDRS crews have six volunteers who rotate in for two-week missions during the winter. The field season wraps up in spring, since the desert heat gets way too intense.
Each crew member takes on a specific job. The commander leads and keeps in touch with mission support, while the executive officer acts as second-in-command.
Science roles include a biologist and a geologist, who set research goals and plan fieldwork. The chief engineer looks after habitat systems—power, water, vehicles, you name it. A health and safety officer checks crew wellness the whole time.
Most applicants have backgrounds in science or engineering. Scientists, astronomers, physicists, biologists, geologists, and engineers fill out the teams, and sometimes journalists tag along to document the mission.
Crew members pay their own way to the station and don’t get paid for their time. This self-funded setup tends to attract people who are really passionate about Mars research.
When missions are underway, crew members have to suit up in analog space suit simulators before stepping outside the habitat. These suits come with helmets, jumpsuits, boots, gloves, air supply packs, and radios.
Inside the habitat, you’ll find two simulated airlocks. Crews use these to get in and out, which really adds to the realism and mimics the operational headaches you’d expect on Mars.
Teams head out for extravehicular activities on foot or in all-terrain vehicles. They pick destinations from a set list of research waypoints scattered around the desert.
Every morning and evening, the commander leads structured meetings. Throughout the day, crews juggle maintenance, cooking, cleaning, and research—never really a dull moment.
Communication with the outside world sticks to space mission protocols. Crews keep in touch with mission support, who monitor things and step in with advice if something goes sideways.
The Mars Desert Research Station draws participants from all over the globe, forming international crews that mirror the diversity of real space missions. This international cooperation lines up with how future Mars missions will probably involve several space agencies.
Since 2001, more than 175 crews have rotated through MDRS. These teams have brought together folks from universities, research groups, and space orgs on nearly every continent.
NASA also runs training programs for educators at the station. Teachers spend several weeks living like Martian explorers, running field research projects in the process.
International crews show up with different skills and cultural backgrounds, which makes for interesting mission dynamics. This mix is crucial for testing how people work together—and talk to each other—on long Mars trips.
The global mix at MDRS keeps building those international partnerships we’ll need for Mars. These ties push us closer to the day when people actually settle on the Red Planet.
The Mars Desert Research Station acts as a proving ground for vital scientific studies that could shape the future of Mars missions. Research teams dig into Mars-like geology and try to figure out how humans handle isolation in a place that feels pretty alien.
Scientists at MDRS get their hands dirty with geological research in Utah’s Mars-analog landscape. The red rocks and wide-open desert give them a solid stand-in for Martian conditions.
Crews focus on soil composition and rock formations that look a lot like what you’d find on Mars. They try out drilling equipment and sample collection methods, all while dealing with the same kinds of challenges astronauts will face.
Field work includes:
Teams use tools like portable spectrometers and core samplers. These hands-on tests give scientists a better idea of what geological exploration on Mars will actually involve.
Utah’s minerals have a lot in common with Martian soil. That makes MDRS research surprisingly relevant for planning real Mars missions.
At MDRS, crews look at how people perform when they’re stuck together for weeks. These experiments dig into the psychological and physical hurdles of Mars exploration.
Researchers track crew dynamics and watch how communication changes over time. They keep tabs on stress, sleep, and how well people make decisions under pressure.
Key research areas include:
Spacesuits are part of the deal for any outdoor activity, so crews get a real sense of how hard it is to move and work in bulky gear.
Scientists also pay attention to nutrition and how food gets prepared in small spaces. These results feed right into how future Mars meal systems will work.
Human factors research at MDRS shapes how spacecraft and missions get designed for Mars. It’s not just theory—it’s practical stuff.
Southern Utah’s desert landscape really does look like Mars. You get red rock formations, dry valleys, and minerals that match what NASA’s found on the Red Planet.
The region’s weird topography and dry climate make it a perfect place for Mars research and astronaut training. It’s almost uncanny.
Southern Utah gives scientists Earth-based analogs that come pretty close to Martian terrain. The Colorado Plateau’s sedimentary layers are loaded with iron oxide, which is why the rocks are so red—just like Mars.
You’ll see sandstone cliffs, canyons, and rocky pavements that look just like what Mars orbiters have photographed. In the San Rafael Swell, ancient river channels and erosion leave patterns that echo what’s been seen on Mars.
Utah’s desert gets wild temperature swings and barely any humidity. Future Mars explorers will have to deal with those kinds of extremes too.
There’s hardly any vegetation, and the bare rocks stretch for miles. Honestly, some vistas look straight out of a Mars rover photo.
Not far from Hanksville, the Bentonite Hills stand out as one of the most Mars-like spots in southern Utah. These badlands show off layers of clay minerals formed by volcanic ash and ancient water.
Mars orbiters have spotted similar bentonite clay deposits on the Red Planet. That’s a big clue about past water activity—a hot topic for astrobiologists.
The hills show off wild color shifts, from deep reds to pale yellows, all thanks to different iron oxide levels. The palette is weirdly similar to what you’ll see on Mars.
Researchers use the Bentonite Hills to test drills and sample tools. The rough terrain is perfect for seeing how equipment holds up before it ever leaves Earth.
The Mars Desert Research Station has a two-story cylindrical habitat designed for six-person crews. Living here means adapting to tight quarters, spacesuit routines, and sustainable resource management every single day.
The habitat packs two levels into a compact cylinder, echoing Mars base constraints. Downstairs, you’ll find a shared workspace, kitchen, and a dining area.
Upstairs, crew members each get a tiny private room—a bed, a desk, and a bit of storage. The cramped setup means everyone has to get along and cooperate, which is pretty much required for Mars.
There’s a lab for research, but storage is tight, so planning is everything. Crew members have to coordinate bathroom and kitchen use, which can get tricky.
Temperature control systems keep things comfortable, but they also simulate the challenge of keeping life support running on Mars. Crews quickly learn how stressful close quarters can be.
Whenever crews leave the hab, they gear up in full spacesuits to mimic Mars conditions. The suits limit movement and vision, and the extra weight makes even basic tasks a hassle.
EVA protocols require teams to work in pairs for safety. Every trip outside needs planning because air supplies are limited and communication isn’t easy.
Radio links in the suits help with coordination during surveys and repairs. Crews learn how tough it is to do science in gloves and helmets.
The spacesuit drills build up critical Mars skills. Crews see first-hand how equipment limits can mess with research schedules and mission plans.
The station’s water recycling system mirrors what Mars missions will need. Crews keep a close eye on water use and look after the filters.
Solar panels supply most of the power, with backup generators on hand just in case. Energy tracking becomes second nature, especially when the crew has to prioritize during shortages.
Food storage sticks to shelf-stable supplies, just like on a real mission. The greenhouse lets crews grow some veggies hydroponically, and waste management protocols aim to keep the environmental impact low.
Everyone keeps detailed logs of resource use, always looking for ways to get more efficient. These habits are vital for anyone who wants to live on Mars.
The Mars Desert Research Station sits near Hanksville, Utah, and isn’t exactly open to the public. Most visits happen during special open house events or with permission from the Mars Society.
You’ll find MDRS about seven miles outside Hanksville, Utah, tucked away in the desert. Getting there means you need a reliable car—preferably one with decent ground clearance for the dirt roads.
The station operates all year, with rotating crews. When simulations are running, public access is off-limits to keep the research on track.
Getting There:
Spring and fall are the best times to visit. Summer gets brutally hot, and winter storms can make the roads a muddy mess.
Bring extra water and emergency gear. Don’t count on good cell service out here.
The Mars Society sometimes opens the station for public tours. These events let visitors check out the habitat modules and see Mars simulation research up close.
Tours usually cover the main dome, labs, and some outside research spots. You’ll get to see astronaut training gear and Mars analog tools.
Tour Features:
You’ll need to book ahead—space is limited and tours depend on the research schedule.
They do group tours for schools and educational groups if you plan in advance. Private tours aren’t common, since the station is focused on research.
MDRS sits in a fragile desert, so protecting the environment is a big deal. Visitors have to follow strict guidelines to keep the site and surrounding landscape intact.
You should always stay on marked trails and avoid messing with the rocks or soil. The Bentonite Hills and nearby terrain are delicate and can take decades to recover if damaged.
Protection Guidelines:
Photography is okay in certain areas, but some equipment and rooms are off-limits to protect active research.
Respect the serious work happening here. Loud noises or disruptions can mess with ongoing simulations and crew focus.
MDRS has become a go-to place for testing Mars mission protocols and astronaut training programs. Space agencies from around the world use the station’s realistic simulations to prep crews for what’s coming on the Red Planet.
NASA puts MDRS to good use, testing equipment and procedures for future Mars missions. The agency sends researchers out to the Utah desert to try out everything from spacesuits to communication systems in Mars-like conditions.
The European Space Agency joins forces with MDRS to train astronauts. MDRS gives crews a place to figure out team dynamics during long missions—without the real risks of space travel.
Private companies like SpaceX get a lot out of MDRS too. The station lets them figure out which equipment works best on Mars. Engineers roll out rovers, habitats, and life support systems to see how they hold up before sending them off-planet.
MDRS runs more than 20 crew rotations every year. Each mission goes for two weeks under strict Mars protocols.
Crews suit up when they step outside and deal with realistic time delays when talking to Earth.
MDRS throws future Mars explorers straight into hands-on experience. Students and researchers learn what it’s like to live and work in Mars-like conditions.
They try everything from growing food to pulling off scientific experiments.
The station focuses on teaching resource management and emergency skills. Crew members have to solve problems together, usually with limited supplies.
These challenges get them ready for the isolation and unpredictability of Mars missions.
Universities send students to MDRS through their space science programs. The station delivers the kind of real-world training you just can’t get in a classroom.
Students come back with practical knowledge about the hurdles of Mars exploration.
MDRS has already trained hundreds of researchers who now work on Mars projects all over the globe. Many have landed jobs with NASA, ESA, and private space companies.
The station keeps producing experienced professionals who are ready to take on Mars.
The Mars Desert Research Station stands out as a hub for space education and public engagement. The Mars Society runs STEM programs and builds real connections between space exploration and local communities.
The Mars Society brings NASA-funded educational programs to life at the Utah facility. NASA Spaceward Bound Utah invites groups of 6-8 teachers for hands-on Mars analog experiences.
These teachers head back to their classrooms with real stories and knowledge about space exploration.
Students join immersive research programs all year long. They do geological fieldwork that’s pretty close to what Mars missions would require.
The facility hands them authentic scientific equipment and follows protocols straight from real space expeditions.
MDRS offers special training for future space explorers. Participants pick up skills like habitat maintenance, EVA procedures, and resource management.
These programs help students aim for careers in aerospace and planetary science.
Educational partnerships go further than single visits. Universities send research teams for semester-long studies.
The facility supports thesis projects and graduate research in astrobiology, geology, and human factors engineering.
The Mars Desert Research Station welcomes visitors who are curious about Mars exploration. It’s about seven miles from Hanksville, Utah, and opens its doors to space fans and families.
Public tours show off the living quarters, labs, and simulation gear.
Community outreach stretches across southern Utah. The Mars Society brings educational programs to local schools and community centers.
These talks explain Mars exploration goals and what the station’s research means.
Media crews and journalists often document what goes on at the station. TV crews share crew stories with wider audiences.
These reports give the public a glimpse into the challenges—and the thrill—of preparing for Mars.
The station keeps an active social media presence and posts educational resources. Online content reaches space enthusiasts around the world.
Virtual tours and live broadcasts connect remote learners to the action.
The Mars Desert Research Station gives scientists and researchers a one-of-a-kind place to prepare for real Mars missions. These questions cover the station’s research focus, how to get involved, and its impact on human space exploration.
The Mars Desert Research Station stands as Earth’s top Mars analog facility for testing tech, operations, and science needed for human space travel. The station lets researchers develop and refine protocols for future Mars missions in a Mars-like environment.
Scientists use MDRS to study how people adapt to isolation, much like astronauts will have to on Mars. This research helps NASA and other agencies tackle the challenges of long-duration spaceflight.
Since 2001, more than 2,000 crew members have taken part in simulations at MDRS. Four of them have actually become astronauts, which says a lot about the station’s role in astronaut training.
If you want to join, you’ll need to apply through the Mars Society’s crew selection process for a specific mission rotation. The field season runs from late October to early June, with new crews rotating in and out for research missions.
Applicants have to show they’ve got scientific, technical, or research chops to qualify. The Mars Society looks for people who can offer meaningful research during their mission.
The facility doesn’t allow public tours or casual drop-ins, since research is ongoing and serious. Everyone who’s selected needs to commit to the full length of their assigned mission.
Research teams dig into geological studies, test space suits and equipment, and develop new ways to explore planetary surfaces. Scientists also focus on crew dynamics, psychological adaptation, and communication protocols during long stretches of isolation.
Technology testing is a huge part of the work—think rover operations, habitat systems, and life support equipment. Researchers see how these technologies hold up in Mars-like conditions.
Field studies dive into astrobiology, searching for signs of life in harsh environments that mimic Mars. These projects help sharpen the tools and methods for finding life on the Red Planet.
You’ll find the station on the San Rafael Swell in southern Utah, about seven miles northwest of Hanksville. This remote spot offers the isolation and geology that really resemble Mars.
Its coordinates are 38°24′23.25″N 110°47′30.85″W in the Utah desert. The area is full of canyons, rock formations, and barren ground that look a lot like what you’d see on Mars.
Hanksville is the closest town and provides basic services and supplies for MDRS. The station’s out-of-the-way location keeps outside interference to a minimum.
The habitat simulates the tight living quarters Mars colonists would face. Crew members share close quarters and limited resources to keep things as realistic as possible.
There are sleeping quarters, lab space, and common areas set up for small research teams. All systems run under Mars mission protocols, including strict water and waste management.
Crew members have to stick to simulation rules, like wearing space suits whenever they’re outside. These protocols keep the Mars analog experience authentic for every mission.
The team at the station gathers critical data on how people perform and how reliable the tech is in Mars-like conditions. They do all this before anyone even launches an actual mission.
By running these simulations, researchers cut down on risks and give future Mars programs a better shot at success.
NASA and other space agencies worldwide lean on the station’s findings when they design their Mars mission plans. The place lets crews test out equipment, tweak procedures, and study how humans handle life in a Martian environment.
The station’s been running for over twenty years now. That’s a long haul, and it’s built up a massive database of Mars analog research.
Honestly, it stands as the longest-running Mars surface simulation facility out there.
